Bottle Bomb Explodes at AMC Hoffman

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (WUSA9) -- Officials responded to an incident at a Virginia movie theater after a bottle bomb exploded.

It happened on April 5 around 1:19 a.m. at theHoffman theaters located at 206 Swamp Fox Road in Alexandria. Someone had thrown an improvised device made out of a 20-ounce soda bottle filled with a caustic substance outside ofTheater #6 which caused the bottle to expand and eventually burst, officials said.

40 people were inside the theater at the time of the incident, watching Captain America. Everyone was safely evacuated and no one was injured during the incident but the substance inside of the bottle could have caused burns if it had come into contact with someone.

This is an active investigation. The person responsible for the device will face felony charges when caught, officials said.

Anyone with information is advised to call Police at 703-746-4186.

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2014

City of Alexandria to Hold Annual Earth Day Tree Sale on Saturday, April 26
"Great Trees, Great Prices, and Great for Alexandria"

The City Alexandria’s Park Operations and Natural Resources Division will hold a tree sale on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Dr. The goal of the sale is to promote the preservation of the Alexandria’s tree canopy by encouraging the planting of trees on private property throughout the City.

The City’s tree supplier, Denison Landscaping and Nursery of Fort Washington, Maryland, will again provide a variety of trees, shrubs and annuals that are hardy and successful in this area. Trees and shrubs are sold in three to seven gallon containers that residents can easily handle and plant. Download the List of Available Trees or purchase and email or call the Urban Forestry Office to reserve your trees.

Residents can reserve trees for purchase in advance through Wednesday, April 23. No deposit is necessary. To reserve a tree, call the Park Operations and Natural Resources Division Office at 703.746.5499 or email dorothy.white@alexandriava.gov. When reserving your trees, please provide your name, telephone number, and the type and quantities of the tree that you plan to purchase.

Advance tree orders must be picked up between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. Reserved trees not picked up by 10 a.m. on the day of the sale will be made available to the public.

For additional information, call the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Park Operations and Natural Resources Division at 703.746.5499.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call John Noelle, City Arborist, at 703.746.5499, (VA Relay 711) or e-mail john.noelle@alexandriava.gov.

Princess for a Night Project Seeking Donations

'Princess for a Night' Project Seeks Prom Dresses and Accessories

The annual 'Princess for a Night' (PFAN) project is collecting dry-cleaned formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, unused make-up (for example, sample cosmetics) and "nice" shopping bags through Friday, May 2. Donations can be dropped off at the T.C. Williams High School main office, 3330 King St., Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For the past eight years, the generosity of women in the community has allowed young ladies across the region to attend prom without breaking the bank. Beginning in April, dresses and other prom essentials are collected at various drop-off points throughout the area. Then, in May, events are held at T.C. Williams High School and two other local high schools, where young ladies can select dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry free of charge. The project especially needs dresses for full-figured young ladies (sizes 18+). Please do not donate velvet or wintry dresses, soiled items, outdated items, casual dresses or items for mature women, as they cannot be used.

If you know of a young lady in need of a dress, "shopping" and dress selection will take place at T.C. Williams on Friday, May 9, from 3:30-6 p.m., and Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Enter through the Chinquapin Drive entrance and follow the signs.) Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. All students from throughout the Northern Virginia area are welcome.

Parents are encouraged to accompany their daughters to participate in dress selection. Dresses are free, but donations will be accepted to support the ongoing project. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to assist with the project, please contact Eleanor Muse ateleanor.muse@acps.k12.va.us.

For Immediate Release: April 4, 2014

City of Alexandria Seeks Public Comment on Proposal to Name the Planned Accessible Playground at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground

The City of Alexandria is seeking public comment on a proposal to name the planned accessible playground at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, located at 1108 Jefferson St., the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground. The Miracle League of Alexandria and the Kelley Cares Foundation forwarded the proposal.

Ruthanne Lodato was a dedicated volunteer, sponsor and active participant in the Kelley Cares Foundation. Her fundraising efforts and volunteer dedication supported the creation of programs and activities benefitting the City of Alexandria Therapeutic Recreation Program, which include The Kelley Cares Miracle Field, The Kelley Cares Multi-Sensory Mobile and the Multi-Sensory Room at the Lee Center. In addition to her commitment to children and families with special needs, she was a dedicated music teacher for more than 30 years ensuring thousands of children grew up to appreciate music.

The public is invited to provide comment on the proposal to name the playground at the Lee Center the Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground through Friday, May 2. Those interested in providing comments will be able to record their comments by email tojack.browand@alexandriava.gov, subject line: Ruthanne Lodato Memorial Playground, or by mail to RPCA, Attn: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314. All comments received or postmarked by Friday, May 2 will be reviewed by the City Council Naming Committee.

For additional information, contact Jack Browand, Division Chief, at 703.746.5504 or by email at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.